After photographing Central Oregon weddings and living here for ten years, I’ve learned a few things. Some the easy way, and some by photographing Bend weddings through unexpected weather and unplanned events.
If you’re planning a wedding here in Bend, Sisters, or beyond, this guide is for you. It’s a little heartfelt advice, a little logistics help, and a lot of love for this wild, beautiful place I have the privilege of calling home.
Whether you’re just starting your Oregon wedding planning or deep in the vendor spreadsheets, I hope this guide brings clarity and ideas for your Central Oregon wedding.
Travel Tips for Your Guests
First things first, Central Oregon weddings often take place in gorgeous but remote areas. And that means planning ahead for your guests is key.
The closest airport to Bend is Redmond Municipal (RDM). It’s small but mighty, with a growing number of direct flights from major West Coast cities. The next closest is Portland International Airport (PDX), about a 3-hour drive from Bend.
Since many venues are outside city limits, I highly recommend encouraging guests to rent a car or book shuttles in advance, as ride-share services can be limited in more rural areas.
Weather in Central Oregon: What to Expect
Central Oregon is known for its 300+ days of sunshine a year, but don’t let that fool you! It can get chilly fast, even in the summer. Especially once the sun dips behind the mountains.
If you want milder temperatures and fewer crowds, September and early October are some of my favorite months for weddings in Central Oregon. The light is golden, the weather is stable (usually!), and there’s less tourist traffic around Bend and Sisters.
That said, Central Oregon weather can change quickly. Wind, sudden temperature drops, and even snow can surprise you. I once shot a winter wedding at Tetherow that started with a spontaneous snowstorm and it made for some of the most magical photos.
Bonus tip: Remind your guests that higher elevation can impact hydration and energy levels. A little water and sunscreen go a long way!
Planning Around Fire Season
Late July through September is fire season in Central Oregon, and while many weddings go off without a hitch, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Wildfires in surrounding areas can affect air quality and visibility, even if your venue isn’t in a fire zone.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider venues with indoor or covered options, just in case. You can monitor wildfire activity and air quality using AirNow.gov and the Oregon Department of Forestry for the most up-to-date info.
Keep the Busy Season in Mind
The peak season for weddings in Central Oregon (and tourism in general) runs June through August, as well as holiday weekends. During this time, venues, vendors, and accommodations fill up fast.
To avoid last-minute stress:
- Book your venue and core vendors 12+ months in advance
- Send lodging info to guests early
- Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding to increase availability
Trusted Local Vendors for Central Oregon Weddings
One of the most special things about planning weddings in Central Oregon is the incredible community behind the scenes. Our vendor network is a tight-knit group of creatives, planners, and pros who genuinely love what they do and it shows in every detail. If you’re working with a wedding planner, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. A good planner will know which vendors match your style, personality, and wedding vision best.
As a wedding photographer, here are some of my go-to Central Oregon wedding vendors, the ones I trust, admire, and love working with on wedding days:
Planning: Ponderosa Planning
Ponderosa Planning is the kind of team that makes you feel like a guest at your own wedding. They specialize in Central Oregon weddings for adventurous, down-to-earth couples and are absolute pros at handling logistics while creating meaningful, joy-filled experiences.
Florals: Via Flora
Olivia, the talent behind Via Flora, turns your floral dreams into art. From soft and romantic to wild and whimsical, she has a way of capturing a couple’s essence in every bloom. After just five minutes with her, you’ll feel how much heart she puts into each design.
Catering & Bar: Bleu Bite Catering
Bleu Bite Catering is one of my favorite Central Oregon wedding vendors when it comes to food and drinks. Their dishes are not only delicious but also crafted with sustainability in mind. Supporting them means enjoying amazing food and supporting eco-friendly practices.
Desserts: S’more Than a Cookie
This dessert truck is a true showstopper! Known for their creative cookie flavors and nostalgic charm, S’more Than a Cookie is the perfect sweet touch for your Central Oregon wedding. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing option for couples looking to do something different.
Cakes: Treeline Baking Co.
Treeline Baking Co. specializes in small, elegant cutting cakes that are just as tasty as they are beautiful. Their refined, natural style fits perfectly with the outdoor wedding venues in Central Oregon, especially for couples wanting a minimalist but meaningful dessert moment.
Hair: Jenny Lewis
Jenny is a hair magician who knows exactly how to work with the Oregon elements, wind, sun, snow, you name it. She’s calm, kind, and makes you feel completely at ease during the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts of your day.
Makeup: Stephanie Jayne Makeup
Many of my couples don’t wear much makeup day-to-day, and Stephanie just gets that. She enhances your natural features in a way that makes you feel like you. confident, radiant, and comfortable in your own skin.
Paper Goods & Signage: Bespoken Creative
From custom signage to save-the-dates and invitation suites, Bespoken Creative makes paper goods that reflect your personality and love story. Their designs feel one-of-a-kind and add such a personal touch to Central Oregon weddings.
DJ: Flip Flop Sounds
With a full team of energetic, professional DJs, Flip Flop Sounds knows how to keep the dance floor going. They’re reliable, experienced, and truly care about making your wedding day unforgettable.
Rentals: O’Brien Events
This family-owned company knows that planning weddings in Central Oregon can come with unique challenges, especially if you’re heading off the beaten path. O’Brien Events brings whatever you need, wherever you need it. They’re dependable, kind, and a dream to work with.
Dishes & Decor: Central Events Rental
If you’re after unique, curated decor, Central Events Rental is your dream team. Think vintage couches, antique table settings, mismatched glassware, and more. Their inventory goes way beyond basic rentals and helps bring your wedding design to life.
Luxury Restrooms: Plush Potty
It may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but trust me, you’ll be glad you thought about it! Plush Potty offers upscale portable restrooms that are clean, stylish, and actually comfortable. Perfect for outdoor weddings or venues without built-in facilities.
My Favorite Central Oregon Wedding Venues
As a Bend wedding photographer, I’ve shot at venues all over Oregon. But here are a few that always stand out for their beauty, flexibility, and experience:
House on Metolius
House on Metolius is a total dream nestled in Camp Sherman. Think wide-open pastures, a view of Mt. Jefferson, and the kind of peace that only 200 acres can provide. Your vibrant Central Oregon House on Metolius wedding will feel like stepping into another time.
Brasada Ranch
Brasada Ranch is rustic, refined, and endlessly romantic. Whether you want an outdoor ceremony with mountain views or a cozy reception indoors, a Brasada Ranch wedding gives you both charm and flexibility.
Juniper Preserve
Juniper Preserve is a true gem in the high desert. You can get married under the stars, in front of a lava cave, or by a crackling fire. The views are incredible, and the on-site spa doesn’t hurt either.
Want more? Here’s my full post on the Top 11 Central Oregon Wedding Venues to dive deeper.
Some of My Favorite Central Oregon Accommodations
When planning weddings in Central Oregon, accommodations matter just as much as venues. Here are a few of my go-to picks:
Riverhouse on the Deschutes
Riverhouse on the Deschutes is right on the river, with modern amenities and beautiful outdoor spaces. Plus it’s just minutes from downtown Bend.
Tetherow Resort
Modern, cozy, and close to Mt. Bachelor. Tetherow Resort provides on-site dining, spa, and golf, and is perfect for guests who want a luxurious basecamp.
Downtown Vacation Rentals
Stay walking distance to Bend’s best breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Bend’s Downtown Vacation Rentals are great for smaller groups or couples who want a city feel.
Sunriver Cabins
For a more rustic escape, Sunriver offers fireplaces, hot tubs, and outdoor adventure right outside your cabin door.
Let’s Capture Your Central Oregon Wedding
Your wedding deserves to be documented with heart, honesty, and presence. I’m not here to stage every moment, I’m here to notice the real ones. The quiet smiles. The belly laughs. The tears you didn’t expect.
If that sounds like your kind of photographer, I’d be honored to help tell your story. Whether you’re just starting to plan or knee-deep in the details, I’d love to connect and learn more about your vision for your Central Oregon wedding.
Connect with me to capture your wedding in Central Oregon!
